RTD to break ground March 20 on North Metro Rail Line

Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD) will break ground March 20 on the North Metro Rail Line, a new passenger rail service that will improve transit options for Denver's northern region and connect riders to existing transit services.

North Metro Rail, an 18.5-mile electrified passenger rail line, will run from Union Station through north Denver, Commerce City, Northglenn and Thornton to Colorado Highway 7 in Adams County.

In late 2013, RTD awarded a contract to Regional Rail Partners (RRP) to design and build the first 12.5-mile phase of the line to 124th Avenue. Construction is scheduled to be completed in 2018 and an option allows the contract to be extended as funds become available to finish building the final six miles of the line.

"North Metro is an important element of our plan to expand modern rail service across the metro Denver region," said RTD General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Phil Washington. "This commuter rail line, more than any other, symbolizes our commitment to the metro area's northern communities and our commitment to improving mobility for all of our customers."